Different Types of Bricks Used in Bangladesh

Classification of Bricks Based on Quality

1st Class Brick

These bricks are of a standard size and have a uniform red color. They are well-burnt, with a regular texture and uniform shape. The water absorption capacity is less than 15%, and the crushing strength is 280 kg/cm² (mean) and 245 kg/cm² (minimum).

• Characteristics:

• – No efflorescence
• – Emits a metallic sound when hit.
• – Hard enough to resist a fingernail mark
• – Free from pebbles, gravel, or organic materials

•  Uses:

• – long-lasting structures
• – Structures exposed to corrosive environments
• – Making coarse aggregates for concrete

2nd Class Brick

These bricks also come in a standard size with a uniform red color. They are well-burnt, though slightly over-burnt bricks are acceptable. The absorption capacity is less than 20%, with a crushing strength of 175 kg/cm² (mean) and 154 kg/cm² (minimum).

• Characteristics:

• – Emits a metallic sound when struck
• – Hard enough to resist a fingernail mark
• – Slight efflorescence

•  Uses:

• – Construction of one-story buildings
• – Temporary sheds with a durability of up to 15 years

3rd Class Brick

These bricks have irregular shapes and sizes, with a soft and light red color. They are under-burnt, though slight over-burning is acceptable. The absorption capacity is less than 25%, with a crushing strength of 140 kg/cm² (mean) and 105 kg/cm² (minimum).

• Characteristics:

• – Emits a dull sound when struck
  
• – Leaves a fingernail mark easily
• – Extensive efflorescence

•  Usess:

• – Non-load-bearing walls
• – Temporary structures

Classification of Bricks Based on Raw Materials

1. Bangla Brick (লাল ইট) :

Burnt clay bricks are the most common and traditional type of bricks used in construction. They are made by pressing wet clay into molds, drying them, and then firing them in a kiln. These bricks are known for their strength and durability.

• Characteristics:

• High Strength and Durability: These bricks are incredibly strong and can withstand significant weight, making them ideal for load-bearing structures.

• Weather Resistant: They are highly resistant to weathering, which makes them suitable for external walls and exposed structures.

• Uniform Shape and Size: Burnt clay bricks come in a consistent size and shape, ensuring ease of use and uniformity in construction.

• Applications:

• Load-Bearing Walls: Ideal for constructing walls that support the weight of the building.

• Interior and Exterior Walls: Suitable for both inside and outside structures due to their durability.

• Pavements and Foundations: Commonly used in paving paths and creating strong building foundations.

2. Auto Brick :

Auto brick, or machine-made brick, are produced in automated brick manufacturing plants using high-quality clay and modern machinery. 

The automation process ensures consistent size, shape, and quality. Auto bricks are considered eco-friendly as they reduce energy consumption and emissions during production.

• Application: Ceramic bricks are widely used in:

• Residential and Commercial Buildings: For constructing walls, pillars, and foundations.

• Infrastructure Projects: Suitable for exposed boundary walls.

• Beautification: Perfect for enhancing the visual appeal of buildings, gardens, and landscapes.

• Uses:

• Load-Bearing and Partition Walls: Provide essential strength and support.

• Decorative Elements: Popular for facades and landscaping due to their attractive and consistent finish.

Ceramic bricks are a trusted choice in Bangladesh for both functional and decorative construction needs, offering reliability and visual appeal.

3. Ceramic Brick :

Ceramic bricks are renowned for their high quality, durability, and consistency. Made from premium clay and kiln-fired, these bricks typically feature a uniform red or reddish-brown color, smooth surfaces, and sharp edges, making them ideal for both construction and aesthetic purposes. 

.• Characteristics:

• Uniform Shape and Size: Automation ensures precision in size and shape, leading to easy construction and consistent quality.

• Eco-Friendly Production: The use of automated technology reduces environmental impact by lowering energy consumption and minimizing harmful emissions.

• High Compressive Strength: These bricks offer excellent strength, suitable for both structural and decorative applications.

• Applications :

• Load-Bearing Walls: Auto bricks are widely used in constructing durable load-bearing walls in buildings.

• Partition Walls and Infill Walls: These bricks are ideal for partition walls in residential and commercial buildings.

• Decorative and Aesthetic Uses: Auto bricks are often used in facades (exterior of a building) and other decorative structures, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

4. Perforated Brick (ছিদ্রযুক্ত ইট):

Perforated bricks are designed with holes running through them, making them lighter and improving their thermal and sound insulation properties. These bricks are ideal for energy-efficient construction and are easy to handle due to their reduced weight.

• Characteristics:

• Lightweight: Easier to handle and transport, reducing construction time and labor costs.

• Good Thermal and Sound Insulation: The perforations enhance insulation, making these bricks energy-efficient and effective at reducing noise.

• Uniform Size and Shape: Consistently sized for easy and uniform construction.

• Applications:

• Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Perfect for walls that do not need to support heavy loads.

• Partition Walls and Facades: Ideal for creating internal partitions and decorative facades in buildings.

• Ventilated Walls: Suitable for structures requiring good ventilation.

• Beautification: These bricks are also used for aesthetic purposes in restaurants or on roofs to enhance the visual appeal.

Perforated bricks are a versatile and efficient choice in construction, offering both functional benefits and aesthetic appeal in various settings across Bangladesh

5. Sand Lime Brick (চুন-বালি ইট)

Sand Lime Bricks are manufactured by mixing sand, lime, and fly ash, followed by a high-pressure molding process. During the wet mixing, a chemical reaction occurs, bonding the materials and creating a strong, durable brick.
These bricks have a smooth finish and uniform greyish color, which enhances their aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional clay bricks, Sand Lime Bricks do not require plastering due to their smooth surface and uniform appearance.

• Characteristics:

• High Strength and Smooth Finish: These bricks are strong and provide an aesthetically pleasing, smooth surface.

• Good Acoustic Insulation: They effectively reduce noise transmission, making them suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.

• Uniform Shape and Size: Sand Lime Bricks are consistently sized, ensuring easy and uniform construction.

• Applications:

• Load-Bearing and Non-Load-Bearing Walls: These bricks are suitable for various structural and partition walls in buildings.

• Ornamental and Decorative Purposes: Their smooth finish makes them ideal for facades, interior walls, and other decorative applications.

• Facades and Interior Walls: Perfect for both external and internal walls, offering a clean and modern appearance.

In Bangladesh, Sand Lime Bricks are typically available in standard sizes, making them easy to work with in construction projects.

Certification: BSTI certification is required to ensure the quality and standards of these bricks in Bangladesh.

Sand Lime Bricks are valued in Bangladesh for their strength, uniformity, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice in both structural and decorative construction.

6. Hollow Brick (ফাঁপা ইট)

Hollow bricks are lighter than solid bricks and are designed with hollow spaces, reducing their weight and providing better insulation. 

These bricks are commonly used in construction to decrease the overall structural load while enhancing thermal and sound insulation.

• Characteristics:

• Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Reduces the weight of the structure, making construction faster and easier.

• Good Thermal and Sound Insulation: The hollow spaces provide excellent insulation against heat and sound, enhancing comfort in buildings.

• Applications:

• Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Suitable for internal partitions and non-structural elements where load-bearing strength is not required.

• Partition Walls and Infill Walls: Ideal for filling gaps and constructing internal partitions in multi-story buildings.

• Structures Requiring Good Insulation: Used in buildings where thermal and acoustic insulation is important, such as residential homes and offices.

• Decorative Purposes: They are also used for decorative purposes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings.

Hollow bricks are an efficient choice for construction projects in Bangladesh, offering functional and decorative benefits.

7. Concrete Brick

Concrete bricks are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, molded into standard shapes, and then cured under controlled conditions. These bricks are highly durable and have good structural strength. 

The color of concrete bricks can be customized by adding pigments, making them versatile for different construction and decorative purposes.

• Characteristics:

• High Strength and Durability: Concrete bricks are known for their excellent strength, making them suitable for both structural and non-structural applications.

• Customizable Appearance: The color can be modified with pigments, making these bricks aesthetically flexible for various projects.

• Weather Resistance: They are resistant to harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for external walls.

• Applications:

• Load-Bearing and Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Used in both structural and partition walls in buildings.

• Pavements and Walkways: Commonly used for paving roads, driveways, and walkways due to their strength and durability.

• Decorative Features: These bricks are also used for decorative purposes in landscaping and facade designs.

Choosing the right type of brick for construction depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of the project, the desired aesthetic, and the environmental conditions. 

By understanding the different types of bricks and their properties, builders and homeowners can make informed decisions to ensure the safety, durability, and longevity of their constructions.